Vashon Island is one of the Pacific Northwest’s best-kept secrets — a relaxed, rural island in the middle of Puget Sound that feels a world away from Seattle yet sits just a short ferry ride from the city. The Washington State Ferry from Fauntleroy in West Seattle takes about 20 minutes to reach the north end of the island, while the King County Water Taxi from downtown Seattle arrives in roughly 22 minutes. However you get there, you will find a genuinely charming island community rich with outdoor adventures, local art, excellent food, and breathtaking scenery. Here are 19 of the best things to do on Vashon Island, whether you are planning a day trip or a full weekend escape.
For accommodation options before you go, check out our dedicated guide to where to stay on Vashon Island — the island has a lovely range of inns, vacation rentals, and unique lodgings to suit every budget.
Getting to Vashon Island
There is no bridge to Vashon Island — the ferry is the only way on and off, which is very much by design. The island’s residents famously fought off multiple bridge proposals over the decades, preferring to keep Vashon’s rural character intact. There are three ferry routes: Fauntleroy (West Seattle) to the north end of Vashon (~20 minutes crossing), Southworth on the Kitsap Peninsula to the north end (~10 minutes), and Point Defiance in Tacoma to the south end at Tahlequah (~15 minutes). The King County Water Taxi also runs a passenger-only service from downtown Seattle on weekdays and select weekends. Check the Washington State Ferries schedule at wsdot.wa.gov before you go, and arrive at the terminal with buffer time — summer weekends can see full boats.
Outdoor Activities
1. Shinglemill Creek Preserve
Shinglemill Creek Preserve is a 160-acre natural area on Vashon Island’s northern tip and one of the island’s finest outdoor destinations. A roughly 3-mile trail winds through dense Pacific Northwest forest before opening out at a beach. During salmon season, you can watch and hear hundreds of salmon making their way upstream — a genuinely unforgettable sight. The trail can get muddy after rain (which is often on Vashon), so waterproof footwear is strongly advised. Our guide on how to keep your shoes dry hiking in the rain has some useful tips for Pacific Northwest trail conditions.
2. Dockton Park on Maury Island
Maury Island is Vashon’s neighboring island, connected by a narrow isthmus that was filled in 1913 to create a permanent dry land crossing. Driving across takes just a couple of minutes and deposits you in a completely different landscape. Dockton Park on Maury Island’s western shore has a beautiful picnic area, a swimming beach, and a small boat launch. Interpretive signs around the park tell the story of the area’s history as a former dry dock site. It is a low-key, genuinely lovely spot for a picnic or an afternoon swim.
3. Jensen Point Park
Jensen Point Park on the east side of Burton is the island’s best launching spot for water activities. Kayak rentals are available here, and the shallow protected waters make it a safe and pleasant paddle for all experience levels. Picnic tables with charcoal grills line the beach, making it a perfect setup for a full day out. The park is compact and relatively uncrowded, which gives it a peaceful, unhurried atmosphere that feels very much in keeping with Vashon’s character.
4. Point Robinson Park and Lighthouse
Point Robinson Park sits on the easternmost tip of Maury Island and is one of the most photographed spots in the entire Puget Sound region. The park encompasses 10 acres of sandy beach, woodland walking trails, and sweeping views across East Passage toward the Cascade Range and Mount Rainier. The Point Robinson Lighthouse — the navigation station here dates to 1885, when a fog signal was first established, and the current lighthouse tower was completed in 1915 — is a twin of the Alki Point Lighthouse in West Seattle. Volunteer-led lighthouse tours run on Sundays from mid-May through mid-September. In autumn and winter, resident orcas are occasionally spotted hunting salmon close to shore. This is among the best places on the island for sunset photography.
5. Maury Island Marine Park
Maury Island Marine Park is a wonderful destination for nature enthusiasts and wildlife watchers. The park’s hiking trails wind through stands of Pacific Madrone trees and wetland habitat that support bald eagles, great blue herons, and a variety of other species. From the shoreline, on a clear day, the views take in Mount Rainier, the Cascade Range, and the broad sweep of East Passage. It is one of the most scenic natural areas in the entire island chain and well worth combining with a stop at Point Robinson during your Maury Island loop.
6. Lisabeula Park
Lisabeula Park on Vashon’s west-facing shoreline is an ideal family outing spot. The park features a 5.5-acre beach, play areas, picnic tables, and a hand-carry boat launch. A forested ravine behind the beach adds to the scenery. It is one of the better beaches on the island for young families, with enough space for kids to roam while the adults enjoy the Puget Sound views.
7. Fern Cove
Fern Cove on Vashon’s northwest shore is a beautifully preserved natural area combining an estuary, two streams, Pacific Northwest forest, and a stretch of Puget Sound shoreline. It is one of the island’s quietest spots and rewards visitors with excellent birdwatching and a sense of real coastal wilderness. The grounds also contain the historic Belle Baldwin House — associated with one of Washington State’s pioneering women in medicine — which is now operated as a unique vacation rental.
Shopping and Culture
8. Explore Vashon Town
Vashon Town — the island’s main village — is a compact, walkable collection of independent shops, galleries, studios, and cafes strung along Vashon Highway. Because it is so pedestrian-friendly, visitors without a car can navigate the whole town easily on foot. You will find everything from artisan gifts and vintage finds to farm-fresh produce stands and quirky local businesses. Allow a leisurely couple of hours to browse at your own pace, and do not miss the roadside art installations scattered throughout the area — Vashon has an unusually vibrant artistic community for an island of its size.
9. Gather Gallery
The Gather Gallery is a small but excellent showcase for local Vashon Island artists. The gallery is open to the public even outside of formal events and rotates its exhibitions regularly, meaning there is nearly always something new to see. Visiting Gather is one of the best ways to get a genuine feel for Vashon’s creative culture and to take home a piece of original island art as a souvenir.
10. Burton Village and the Harbor Mercantile
Burton is a tiny community on the isthmus connecting Vashon and Maury Islands that has served the local community for well over a century. The Harbor Mercantile — also known as the Burton Store — has been operating since 1908 and remains a beloved island institution selling groceries, fresh produce, snacks, beverages, and everyday goods. The adjacent Burton Coffee Stand is a local favourite for a cup of coffee and a genuine conversation with islanders. The post office and a handful of small businesses complete the village’s charmingly time-capsule atmosphere.
Restaurants and Dining
11. Island Queen
Island Queen is Vashon’s go-to classic diner and arguably the most beloved casual restaurant on the island. The 1950s-style ambience sets the tone for an unpretentious, thoroughly enjoyable meal of custom-built burgers, specialty sandwiches, onion rings, hand-dipped ice cream, and thick milkshakes. It is the kind of place that draws both lifelong locals and first-time visitors with equal loyalty, and it is the perfect refuelling stop after a morning spent exploring the parks and shoreline.
12. Bramble House
Bramble House is Vashon’s most celebrated fine dining destination, serving seasonally driven Pacific Northwest cuisine with a genuine farm-to-table ethos. Chef Lia Lira built the restaurant around artisan techniques and locally sourced ingredients, and the result is a menu that changes with the seasons and delivers something different on every visit. The intimate setting makes it ideal for a special dinner. Reservations are highly recommended, especially on weekends.
13. Patty’s Place
Patty’s Place is a beloved Vashon hidden gem known for its fusion of Hispanic and Asian flavours in a casual, welcoming setting. The Tamale Huevos Rancheros is a standout on the breakfast and brunch menu, and the kitchen is known for creative, well-executed dishes that keep regulars coming back. A practical takeaway option makes it easy to grab a meal on the go and head straight to the beach or trails.
14. The Hardware Store Restaurant
The Hardware Store occupies one of Vashon’s oldest commercial buildings — a former island hardware shop that has been transformed into a popular lunch and dinner destination. The menu covers classic American fare executed with care: standout burgers, fresh salads, and buttermilk fried chicken. The building’s history gives it a warm, characterful ambience that no modern restaurant can replicate. Reservations are recommended for dinner service.
15. Snapdragon Bakery
Snapdragon is a bakery, bar, and restaurant all under one roof, making it one of the most versatile spots on the island. The bread and pastry selection is exceptional, but the menu extends well into a thoughtful range of vegetarian dishes and seasonal plates. It is the kind of place that earns devoted regulars — once you have tried the baking, it is difficult not to come back every time you are on the island.
Wineries, Breweries, and Cideries
16. Camp Colvos Brewing Co.
Conveniently located across from Snapdragon in Vashon Town, Camp Colvos is a family-friendly brewery with a colourful outdoor seating area that fills up quickly on sunny days. The brewery produces a rotating lineup of craft beers and pairs them with wood-fired pies. With an outdoor setup and a relaxed atmosphere, it is a natural gathering point for both locals and visitors, and a great stop for groups who need some fresh air alongside their pint.
17. Palouse Winery
Palouse Winery is one of Vashon’s most scenic drinking destinations. Open year-round, the winery has a porch with outstanding views of the Olympic Mountains and surrounding forest. Wine club members have year-round access to the porch, while non-members can visit on Sundays to enjoy tastings and the views. The wines themselves are crafted with genuine care, and the setting is serene enough to make the visit worthwhile even before the first glass.
18. Maury Island Winery
Maury Island Winery is a small-batch, family-run operation owned by Bill and Jan Riley, who grow their own grapes on site and produce around 150 cases per year — making this one of the most intimate winery experiences in the Pacific Northwest. Tastings are available only during the summer season, so check the website for opening times before visiting. It is a charming, personal experience that captures exactly the kind of unhurried island life Vashon is famous for.
19. Vashon Island Brewing Scene
Beyond Camp Colvos and the wineries above, Vashon Island has a small but growing craft beverage scene that includes a cidery and several seasonal tasting rooms. The island’s agricultural roots — it was once one of Washington’s primary strawberry-growing regions — give local producers an interesting starting point for fruit-forward drinks. Note that some venues are closed on weekdays or during the off-season, so checking websites and calling ahead before a dedicated visit is always worthwhile.
Tips for Your Vashon Island Visit
Vashon has no traffic lights (just a handful of blinking yellow lights) and very few chain businesses — it has resisted development with the same stubbornness it applied to those bridge proposals. Cash is helpful at smaller vendors, though most businesses accept cards. Most of the island’s best restaurants and the ferry itself can be busy on summer weekends, so arriving early or visiting on a weekday makes everything more relaxed. If you are making a longer trip of the Pacific Northwest, our Pacific Northwest road trip itinerary is a great planning companion, and our guide on things to do in Port Townsend covers another fantastic nearby ferry destination worth combining with Vashon on a longer stay in the region.
Have you visited Vashon Island? Share your favourite spots and hidden gems in the comments below — we’d love to hear your recommendations!
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